Councillors have agreed a series of road safety measures to be implemented over the next year.

The programme, approved by East Ayrshire Council’s cabinet last week, includes traffic calming measures, 20 mph zones and road improvements.

Tom Cook – depute council leader and the authority’s spokesmanfor improving community safety – said that the latest moves would build on East Ayrshire’s impressive road safety record.

He pointed out that the number of children seriously injured on local roads had dropped by 75 per cent, while the 58 per cent reduction in pedestrian casualties over the same period was the highest in Scotland.

Said Councillor Cook: “The council has surpassed all targets set by the Scottish Government, which were to be achieved by 2020.

“Evidence shows that the council’s approach to improving road safety works and further programmes are now scheduled for the coming year.”

Among the schemes approved by cabinet is £675,000 for the refurbishment of the A71 roundabout at Moorfield, including resurfacing and improved signing.

Among the 20 mph zones agreed were Knockentiber, various roads in Hurlford, the Southcraigs area of Kilmarnock, the West Donington Street area of Darvel and some parts of Galston.

Rural route measures, to make drivers aware of potential hazards, will be extended to all B roads, and anti-skid surfacing will be applied at problem bends.

The council has received Scottish Government funding to improve facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and vulnerable road users, including children travelling to and from school.

Jim Buchanan, council spokesperson for delivering community regeneration, said: “Design work has been progressing well on an extension of the Sir Chris Hoy cycle way from the west end of Galston to extend the cycle route to Newmilns.

“A bid has been submitted to SUSTRANS and a funding announcement will be made shortly which will allow the council to complete work on this project.

“A bid has also been submitted, in partnership with South Ayrshire Council, for a cycle route from Dundonald to the N73 at Kilmarnock via Gatehead, Laigh Milton viaduct and Crosshouse. This will be brilliant news for local communities who make great use of our existing cycle paths.”